No room for Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka will go into the second Test with England tonight at Edgbaston having decided not to play veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya.

Weather conditions have made for a soggy build-up to the game and could yet play a part in the outcome of the match.

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, who provided the inspiration with a second innings century that allowed his team a remarkable draw in the first Test, said at a pre-Test press conference that Jayasuriya will be replaced by Michael Vandort.

"When we started this tour we decided on a youth policy and we told the young guys we would give them the necessary opportunities.

"If we don't do that it won't be nice. If somebody hadn't given me a chance when I was young I wouldn't be here now.

"By the end of the year we should have two openers who could play consistently for us for another four or five years," he said.

Jayasuriya's problem with that in mind was his experience. He had too much.

Upul Tharanga has also been brought in to replace Jehan Mubarak who scored 0 and 6 at Lord's.

Also making his first appearance in the series will be fast bowler Lasith Malinga whose slinging action is certain to make the English sit up and take notice.

Jayawardene said: "He's quite difficult, especially with his action and the pace that he generates, and he does offer us something different.

"Every time he plays he puts his hand up and says he wants to have a crack at the English.

"It would be great to give him that opportunity, but it all depends on what kind of competition we want to play on the Edgbaston wicket," he said.